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Kent
Show Report This year's show saw the loss of two clubs, Astor of Hever and Brockhill School, but we welcomed Maidstone YFC back for the first time in quite a few years, and also to the Royal School for the Deaf. When I was asked to become chairperson for the Kent Show, it was a great honour as I have been competing and helping on the committee for a number of years. The months ahead were going to be a challenge, but with the help and support of a great committee, any problems we had were soon sorted out! The months flew by and before we knew I,t it was the Monday of the week of the show itself. I stood there with three empty marquees thinking ' this is it, and this is home for the next week'! The first job was to unload all the cattle barriers, and thanks to Fred for his tractor driving skills as he made it look easy to unload the lorry. Then we had to mark out where everything was to go so that the next day would run smoothly. The portacabins then arrived, and the three secretaries moved into their new home! Tuesday morning arrived along with a team of eager young farmers to help put up all the barriers and pens, and thank you to Hobbs Parker of Ashford for the loan of pens/cages for the small animals' marquee. With all the help that turned up, the job was done by lunch time. Wednesday came, along with the scaffolding and boards, but no pig pens! Then we realised that the scaffolding had the wrong clips, so after a few phone calls, Fred and a team went off to the Isle of Sheppey to collect them. Eventually everything was put up and the clubs were able to make a start on their areas. Thursday was a bright and early start for the committee, with the main gate opening at 8.00 am. Luckily the animals arrived in a steady flow and didn't have to wait too long on the lorries. Soon it was time for Andy and his team to start weighing all the lambs and pigs, a task that is not so easy when you have a stubborn pig that doesn't want to be woken from his sleep! Steward training then commenced - run by Haggis - so thank you to all the people that helped as it makes life much easier! The marquees then closed at 11.30 pm and everyone retired back to the campsite, with the anticipation of the Show the next day. Friday morning was an early start with most young farmers up at 5.00am to start preparing their animals. The marquees were a hive of activity by 7.00am with feeding, grooming and mucking out well underway. The classes ran very smoothly during the day and by the end of it, every clubs area was looking brighter with the different coloured rosettes hanging above the animals. Saturday
was another early start, especially for those who show dairy calves, as it is
their day for turnout. In the afternoon we have our fun class, and the public
are in for a treat when they see all the young farmers in their different outfits
and disguises! Sunday morning sees the young farmers up even earlier, carrying on from the night before to prepare animals for turnout. With that over, we moved on to the Grand Awards ceremony with Lord and Lady Kingsdown to present the trophies this year. With all the trophies being presented, it was then my turn for a shock when I was presented with flowers and a gift that brought me to tears. It only hit me then what we had achieved in 9 months and how much all the younger members appreciated it. With the presentations over, it was time to pack up, load up the animals, take down pens and be left with 3 empty marquees! In conclusion, we had a really good show, everyone got on well and we had good weather. The judges were very complimentary about the livestock and how dedicated the members were in preparing their animals to such a high standard that it put some professional showers to shame. Be proud of yourselves that you are part of this unique show that we put on in Kent! Thanks
goes to everyone for their work and support prior to and during the show itself,
also to Nicola, Anne and Cathy who did a great job for results in the portacabin.
To Darren, Eve, Kate, Andy, Haggis, Chris, Denis, Stuart, Gemma, Fred and Leigh
who helped in the marquees and with the movement of the animals. Also to Chrissie
for organising the judges, and to Mark and Garry from Westlands for their man
power! To
my family for their support and to Philippa, Pat Young and Nick Allan whose experience
is much appreciated. All these people have done a wonderful job and have made the 2005 Kent Show an enjoyable and memorable one. Stephanie Dean
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Kent
YFC (c)2006 is registered charity #302905. |
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